On 31 March 1945, a P-47D-23, “Ruth,” # 42-28158, assigned to the 1st Commando Group, 5th Fighter Squadron, departed its airfield on a dive-bombing mission of the enemy at and near Hlebu, Burma. It was seen to crash near the target, near the town of Toungoo, at 1100 hours and the pilot, 2ndLt Edward W. Aumann, # 0-715433, was killed in action. Witnesses to the crash were 1stLt Francis W. Wheeler, 0-815794, and 2ndLt Louis R. Lenz, 0-821733. A well-drawn sketch accompanied the MACR on fold3.com.

1stLt Wheeler reported that their target was the road by-pass bridge at Toungoo, which Lt. Aumann was inspecting for bomb damage assessment. He dove at the bridge and suddenly pulled up then his P-47 rolled over and dove straight into the ground. It exploded and burned. He saw a sheet of flame under the P-47 as it dove and it was completely demolished.

2ndLt Lenz reported that after he and Lt. Wheeler dropped their bombs, Lt. Aumann dropped his. Lt. Aumann then dove to check the bridge damage and passed over it at low altitude. He pulled up steeply and the P-47 rolled over and flames could be seen. It hit the ground vertically and exploded. No parachute opened.

AUMANN, EDWARD WHITLIFF, Second Lieutenant, # 0-715433, USAAF

Edward W. Aumann was born on 12 October 1923 in Elizabeth, Union Co., New Jersey, to Herbert Peter Aumann (1886-1950) and Marie Francis (Engel) Aumann (1887-1977). Siblings included Herbert Manning Aumann (1918-2008), Joseph Charles Aumann (1919-1984), Robert Arthur Aumann (1920-2009), and John Thomas Aumann (1924-1996). He was recorded as a missing Jewish serviceman.

After enlisting in the USAAF, he completed flight instruction through advanced schools and earned his commission and pilot wings to fly the P-47 Thunderbolt. He was sent overseas to India. On 31 March 1945, a P-47D-23, “Ruth,” # 42-28158, assigned to the 1st Commando Group, 5th Fighter Squadron, departed its airfield on a dive-bombing mission of the enemy at and near Hlebu, Burma. It was seen to crash near the target, near the town of Toungoo, at 1100 hours and the pilot was killed in action. Witnesses to the crash were 1stLt Francis W. Wheeler, 0-815794, and 2ndLt Louis R. Lenz, 0-821733. Witnesses to the crash were 1stLt Francis W. Wheeler, 0-815794, and 2ndLt Louis R. Lenz, 0-821733. 1stLt Wheeler reported that their target was the road by-pass bridge at Toungoo, which Lt. Aumann was inspecting for bomb damage assessment. He dove at the bridge and suddenly pulled up then his P-47 rolled over and dove straight into the ground. It exploded and burned. He saw a sheet of flame under the P-47 as it dove and it was completely demolished. 2ndLt Lenz reported that after he and Lt. Wheeler dropped their bombs, Lt. Aumann dropped his. Lt. Aumann then dove to check the bridge damage and passed over it at low altitude. He pulled up steeply and the P-47 rolled over and flames could be seen. It hit the ground vertically and exploded. No parachute opened. He is remembered on the wall of the missing in the Manila American Cemetery & Memorial, Philippines. He was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart.